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Contemporary Unionism and the tactics of resistance
Author(s)
Date Issued
2002
Date Available
2010-07-19T15:18:33Z
Abstract
This paper emphasises the importance of the political context for shaping unionist tactics for defending the Union and resisting Irish unity. Some draw a sharp dichotomy between “constitutional” and “unconstitutional” unionism. The Ulster Unionist Party, and perhaps the Democratic Unionist Party, are seen as “constitutional”, while the loyalist parties associated with paramilitary organisations, the Ulster Democratic Party and the Progressive Unionist Party, are seen as “unconstitutional”. Some unionists readily advocate violence while others completely reject any use of violence. The principal unionist parties (UUP, DUP), it is argued, have operated in the “grey area” between violent and non-violent politics, veering towards one pole or the other depending on the wider political context. In particular, it will be suggested that unionists tend towards “more direct” methods of political action when they fear—often with good reason—that their position within the Union is becoming undermined. When these fears are heightened the room for unionist political elites to contemplate accommodation with nationalists is constrained.
Sponsorship
Not applicable
Type of Material
Working Paper
Publisher
University College Dublin. Institute for British-Irish Studies
Series
IBIS Working Papers
19
Copyright (Published Version)
The author, 2002
Subject – LCSH
Unionism (Irish politics)
Northern Ireland--Politics and government--1994-
Northern Ireland--Politics and government--1969-1994
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
Conference Details
Revised version of a paper presented to the IBIS conference, From political violence to negotiated settlement : the winding path to peace in twentieth century Ireland, University College Dublin, 23 March 2001.
ISSN
1649-0304
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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